Ultrasound training apparatus

Abstract

A medical ultrasound training apparatus comprises a simulated body cavity adapted to contain a number of elements simulating the ultrasonic response characteristics of internal human anatomy. Simulated body fluid fills the cavity and surrounds and suspends the elements therein and a skin simulating membrane covers the cavity. A medical trainee performs ultrasound examination on the apparatus which produces ultrasound images similar to those produced by a live patient thereby providing the trainee with valuable experience in applying and analyzing the results of the ultrasound examination.

I claim: 
     
       1. For use in ultrasonography training, an apparatus for simulating the ultrasonic responses of the human anatomy during ultrasound examination with said apparatus comprising: a first member configured to simulate the human female pelvic cavity;   one or more second members configured to be contained in said first member and including a simulated urinary bladder;   said one or more second members being adapted to simulate the ultrasonic response of internal human anatomy during ultrasound examination; and   fluid means surrounding said one or more second members within said first member for simulating the ultrasonic response of internal body fluid during ultrasound examination.   
     
     
       2. For use in ultrasonography training, an apparatus for simulating the ultrasonic response of the human anatomy during ultrasound examination with said apparatus comprising: a first member configured to simulate the human female pelvic cavity;   one or more second members configured to be contained in said first member;   said one or more second members being adapted to simulate the ultrasonic response of internal human anatomy during ultrasound examination; and   fluid means surrounding said one or more second members within said first member for simulating the ultrasonic response of an internal body fluid during ultrasound examination, wherein said first member includes a female pelvic skeleton and an interior lining within said pelvic skeleton, said interior lining being substantially imperious to said fluid means.   
     
     
       3. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said interior lining comprises a latex rubber sheet conformed to the interior contours of said female pelvic skeleton. 
     
     
       4. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said one or more second members includes a simulated urinary bladder. 
     
     
       5. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said simulated urinary bladder comprises a latex rubber balloon at least partially filled with a liquid that simulates the ultrasonic response of urine during ultrasound examination. 
     
     
       6. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said liquid comprises water. 
     
     
       7. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said latex rubber balloon has been pre stretched beyond its elastic limit. 
     
     
       8. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said one or more second members includes a member adapted to simulate the ultrasonic response of a female human uterus during ultrasound examination. 
     
     
       9. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said member adapted to simulate the ultrasonic response of a female human uterus during ultrasound examination comprises a latex rubber sac and means within said latex rubber sac for simulating the ultrasonic response of uterine walls and the uterine cavity during ultrasound examination. 
     
     
       10. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said means for simulating the ultrasonic response of uterine walls and the uterine cavity comprises animal tissue carved to simulate the shape and size of uterine walls and the uterine cavity. 
     
     
       11. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said one or more second members includes at least one member adapted to simulate the ultrasonic response of an anatomical malady during ultrasound examination. 
     
     
       12. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said malady is an ovarian dermoid cyst. 
     
     
       13. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said member adapted to simulate the ultrasonic response of said ovarian dermoid cyst comprises a latex rubber sac containing at least chicken fat, human hair, rubber bands and calcium crystals. 
     
     
       14. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said malady is a foreign body in the uterus. 
     
     
       15. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fluid means comprises liquid glycerin. 
     
     
       16. An ultrasonography training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising a container adapted to receive said apparatus with said container including a lid positioned to be closed over said apparatus, said lid being transparent to ultrasonic waves of the type issued by ultrasound examination equipment.